Carpenter responds to fire regs with new polyester fill

Richmond, VA — With California's new fire-retardant legislation Bill 603 in mind, Carpenter Co. is introducing a new polyester fill for bed pillows and mattress pads. Named Firestop, the fill and its properties will be unveiled during the October market in New York.

Bill 603 was introduced in California in July 2001. It proposes that all bedding products manufactured for sale in California, if they are deemed to contribute to mattress fire, must be fire-retardant.

Dan Schecter, vp sales and marketing, described Firestop as white in color with a "soft and luxurious hand."

The prime characteristic of the new fill is that it is designed to char in place with minimal shrinkage and minimal melting when subjected to an open flame, said Jeff Martin, product development manager.